A Taste of Control
I leaned back in my chair, crossing one leg over the other as I watched them squirm. The tension in the boardroom was thick, making some of the men sweat in their expensive suits. I slowly traced the rim of my glass, letting the silence stretch. Waiting was a weapon, and I knew how to use it.
"Celeste, this is an ambitious proposal," Henry Ford, the senior partner, finally said. "But it's too aggressive. We need to think about the long-term effects."
I gave him a small, cold smile. "Henry, tell me—what's more dangerous? Being aggressive or being underestimated? Because in this game, hesitation means getting swallowed whole. And I have no interest in being on the menu."
A few uneasy murmurs spread through the room. The older executives looked uncomfortable, while the younger ones watched me with something close to admiration. I had learned the hard way that control wasn't given—it was taken. And today, I was claiming mine.
But not everyone liked that. Jony Bush, who was supposed to be on my side, leaned forward. "You're taking a big risk, Celeste. One mistake, and this deal collapses. The board won't tolerate reckless decisions."
I tilted my head, still tracing the glass with my fingers. "Jony, reckless means acting without a plan. Everything I do is calculated. This deal is already won. The only question is, do you want to be at the table when we celebrate, or do you want to read about my success in the morning news?"
His jaw tightened. Good. Let him think about that. He had underestimated me before, but today, I was making sure he never did again.
Still, I wasn't blind to my own doubts. Was I pushing too hard? Had I missed something? No. I had checked every detail and predicted every move. This was my moment, and I wouldn't let self-doubt ruin it.
I stood up slowly, placing both hands on the table. "This deal will shape the next decade for us. We either take control or let someone else decide our future. But I don't follow—I lead. And so should all of you."
Silence. Then, one by one, they nodded. Henry sighed and rubbed his temples before finally agreeing. "Fine. We'll move forward. But Celeste, if this fails—"
"It won't."
I turned and walked out before anyone could say more. Another rule I have learned—is never to linger after a win. Let them sit with it, wondering how I made them agree to something they swore they wouldn't.
As I stepped into the hallway, my phone buzzed.
Jovi.
I sighed and answered. "Calling to congratulate me?"
"I'm calling to remind you that not every battle needs brute force," he said smoothly, though I could hear his frustration. "You're making enemies, Celeste."
"And I'm making history. Which one matters more?"
A pause. Then, "You tell me. Because last I checked, history is written by the survivors."
I glanced at my reflection on the glass wall. Was I being too ruthless? No. Hesitation killed ambition. I couldn't afford that.
"If you're worried about me, Jovi, don't be. I can handle this."
"I know you can. That's what worries me."
Before I could respond, a sharp voice interrupted. "Miss Hilly."
I turned to see Elizabeth Yuwal standing there, arms crossed. She was the only woman in the firm who once had the power I was claiming now—and she didn't like it.
"Elizabeth," I greeted, slipping my phone away. "Enjoying the show?"
She smirked. "Oh, immensely. Watching you tear through this place has been… entertaining. But hurricanes leave destruction in their wake. Be careful, Celeste. The winds always change."
I stepped closer, meeting her gaze. "Then I'll change with them. But one thing you should know, Elizabeth—I don't break."
Her eyes flickered for just a second before she chuckled. "I suppose we'll see."
I walked past her, my confidence steady. But as I stepped outside into the cool air, I let out a slow breath.
I won today. But tomorrow? Tomorrow would be another battle.
And I'd be ready.
Just as I reached my car, my phone buzzed again. This time, the message wasn't from Jovi. It was from an unknown number.
"You think you've won? The game has just begun."
I stared at the words, my fingers tightening around my phone. My chest rose and fell slowly.
So. Someone wanted to play.
Good.
I loved the challenge.